Phlegra (mythology)

Phlegra is a mythical location in both Greek and Roman mythology.

It is a region of Macedonia in Greece. In Greek mythology, it is the site of Zeus's overthrowing of the Giants (Gigantes) at the end of the Gigantomachy.

Strabo wrote that Phlegrae was also called the Phlegraean Plain in Campania near Cumae. He writes that the Giants who survived, were driven out by Heracles, finding refuge with their mother in the site of Leuca (in Italy's 'heel'). A fountain there has smelly water from the ichor of the giants.

Strabo also writes

The peninsula Pallene, on whose isthmus is situated the city formerly called Potidaea and now Cassandreia, was called Phlegra in still earlier times. It used to be inhabited by the giants of whom the myths are told, an impious and lawless tribe, whom Heracles destroyed. [Strabo, Geography 7]

See also

• Greek mythology in popular culture